Wood Culture in Sonoran Desert
Learn about Seri Indian ironwood carving
By International Wood Culture Society
Ironwood sculptor, Aurora Astorga (2014) in El Desemboque, Mexico, standing in front of an ironwood tree and holding a piece of dead ironwood.
Ironwood sculptor Aurora Astorga in El Desemboque, Mexico (2014-06-24) by IWCS International Wood Culture Society
We delve into the Ironwood Tree & Seri woodcarving & carvers
The Seri people, also known as the Comcáac, have long been recognized for their unique and resilient culture within the Sonoran Desert. A significant aspect of their resilience is their development of Ironwood woodcarving, an art form that has become a vital source of economics
Dead ironwood tree (Olneya Tesota) (2023-02-13) by IWCS International Wood Culture Society
Dead ironwood tree (Olneya Tesota) is naturally dried in the desert. Living ironwood tree is a nursing plant.
Miguel Estrella Romero, a Seri woodcarver (2014-06) by IWCS International Wood Culture Society
Carvers use crude tools like machetes, large hatchets and cleavers.
Seri ironwood carving (2014-06) by IWCS International Wood Culture Society
A characteristic of Seri ironwood carving is having no details or features (eyes, mouth, etc).
Seri ironwood carving (2014-06) by IWCS International Wood Culture Society
Seri are the people of the sea and desert and they carve what they see daily in simple forms.
Popular carving known as “The Giants” (2023-02-15) by IWCS International Wood Culture Society
Popular carving known as “The Giants” is carved by many with unique details distinct to the artist.
Carving of desert animals (2014-06) by IWCS International Wood Culture Society
Many carvings are of desert animals such as the desert bighorn sheep.
Ironwood sculptor Aurora Astorga (2023-02-08) by IWCS International Wood Culture Society
Ironwood sculptor Aurora Astorga
Aurora Astorga (2023) started carving in 1960 and has been honing her craft for about 60 years. She is one of the most talented Seri sculptors whose art is enjoyed by many.
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